Brain and neuropsychology

• Neurons are specialized cells that transmit information throughout the nervous system.
• Cerebral cortex - outer layer of the cerebrum responsible for higher cognitive functions such as perception, memory, language, and consciousness
• Hypothalamus - regulates homeostasis and controls emotions and behavior
• Spinal Cord - transmits sensory and motor signals between the body and the brain
• Brainstem - connects the spinal cord to the brain and is involved in regulating vital bodily functions like breathing and heart rate
• Nervous System - consists of two main parts: Central Nervous System (CNS) and Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)
• Peripheral Nervous System (PNS): Composed of nerves outside the CNS that carry messages back and forth between the CNS and other parts of the body.
• Central Nervous System (CNS): Consists of the brain and spinal cord, which receive and process information from the PNS and control voluntary movements.
• Autonomic Nervous System (ANS): Regulates involuntary actions such as digestion, blood pressure, and heartbeat.
• Somatic Nervous System: Controls voluntary movements and senses from the skin, muscles, and joints.
• Somatic division: Responsible for conscious perception and movement of skeletal muscles.
• The autonomic division regulates involuntary processes such as heart rate, respiration, and digestion.
• The somatic division controls voluntary movement and sensation through sensory receptors and motor neurons.
• Parasympathetic Division: Involved in restoring normal physiological states following sympathetic activation.
• Sympathetic Division: Responsible for "fight or flight" responses during times of stress.
• Autonomic division: Regulates involuntary processes such as digestion, blood pressure, and respiration.
• Parasympathetic division: Involved in restful activities like digestion and relaxation.